Associations between food-specific IgG antibodies and intestinal permeability biomarkers

Protein and energy digestibility in preterm infants fed fortified human milk

OBJECTIVES

The objective of the present study is to determine whether the apparent nutrient digestibility differs between very preterm infants fortified with bovine colostrum (BC) compared to those fortified with a conventional fortifier (CF), building on previous findings that BC was associated with looser stools and reduced need for laxatives in very preterm infants (VPI).

METHODS

We conducted a 24-h digestibility balance study in 10 VPIs to assess the retention of protein, energy, and wet-weight following the intake of fortified human milk and collection of faecal excretions. Infants (n = 5) were matched by gestational age and birthweight.

RESULTS

In the 10 infants, the mean gestational age and birthweight were 28 ± 1 weeks and 899 ± 182 g, respectively. Infants fortified with BC had a higher faecal energy loss compared with infants fortified with CF (BC: 178 [range 111-205] vs. CF: 153 [96-235] kJ/kg, p < 0.05). No differences (p > 0.05) were found for wet-weight intake (421 [360-427] vs. 494 [328-500] kJ/kg), relative absorption of protein (60 [33-75] vs. 50 [33-75]%) or absolute protein absorption (249 [159-310) vs. 281 [210-347]).

CONCLUSION

Nutrient absorption was similar between groups although higher energy loss indicates reduced overall digestibility of BC versus CF, however, with a large variation within each group. Studies on more infants are required to confirm these results. A 24-h digestibility balance study can successfully be used to assess nutrient and energy retention in preterm infants.

Elimination Diet Guided by Food-Specific IgG Antibodies Measurements in Chronic Adult Acne in Thailand: A Prospective RCT Study

Background: Adult female acne is increasingly prevalent and significantly affects quality of life. Current treatments, including antibiotics and hormonal therapies, often yield varied efficacy and risks. While adult acne shares similarities with adolescent acne, its pathogenesis involves genetic, hormonal, immune, and dietary factors. Emerging research implicates high glycemic load diets, milk proteins, and insulin/IGF1 signaling in exacerbating acne. Despite growing understanding, dietary influences remain poorly understood, overshadowed by persistent myths. Inflammation, preceding follicular plugging and hyperkeratinization, suggests a potential shift towards addressing gut inflammation and digestive issues. IgG-mediated food reactions, linked to conditions like IBS and migraines, are controversial in diagnosing acne but warrant investigation, especially in Thai patients. Objective: Evaluate the efficacy of elimination diets guided by food-specific IgG antibodies measurement in chronic adult acne. Patients and Methods: This randomized controlled trial and prospective cohort study enrolled 75 participants with chronic acne aged 19 to 45 years, meeting stringent inclusion criteria. Participants were randomized into three groups: one receiving elimination diets based on reversed IgG antibody measurements, another on common food-specific IgG antibodies, and a third on individual IgG antibody measurements. Elimination diets were informed by Genarrayt™ 200+ Food IgG kit results, with compliance monitored through dietary checklists. Primary outcomes were assessed using the Global Acne Grading System (GAGS) Score, with secondary outcomes including the Thai version of the Dermatology Life Quality Index Questionnaire and a Multiorgan-Symptoms Checklist. Follow-ups were conducted at 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks. Results: The study cohort, predominantly female (74.7%), exhibited a mean age of 29.3 ± 5.3 years and an average GAGS Score indicating moderate acne severity. Significant differences in GAGS Scores were found among groups (P<0.001), indicating reduced acne severity in the elimination diet groups. Statistically significant reductions in weight and BMI were observed in one group (p-values = 0.048), but not in the other groups. Compliance with follow-up criteria was high. Conclusion: Elimination diets guided by food-specific IgG antibodies measurement show promise in reducing chronic adult acne severity, as indicated by GAGS Scores. This study sheds light on the relationship between diet and adult acne pathophysiology, emphasizing the potential of personalized treatment approaches. Further research is warranted to validate these findings and elucidate underlying mechanisms.

The Impact of Food Specific IgG Antibodies on Migraine and Its Comorbidities

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the differences in headache and comorbidity symptoms between migraine patients with negative and positive food specific IgG antibodies, and explore the correlation between these symptoms with food specific IgG antibodies.

METHODS

A total of 129 migraine patients were enrolled. Seven questionnaires were used to gather information regarding the symptoms of migraine, gastrointestinal, depression, anxiety, and sleep. Serum specific IgG antibodies against 14 kinds of food were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays.

RESULTS

Patients with migraine diagnosis who had positive food specific IgG antibodies had significantly worse headaches, gastrointestinal and anxiety symptoms, compared to the patients with negative IgG antibodies. Patients with more IgG positive foods and higher total positive IgG concentration generally had worse migraine conditions, anxiety, depression, and gastrointestinal symptoms.

CONCLUSION

The effect of food specific IgG antibodies on severity of migraine and its comorbidities were antibody-quantity and IgG-concentration dependent. Future studies are warranted to explore the mechanism underlying such relationship.

Food Intolerances, Food Allergies and IBS: Lights and Shadows

This narrative review delves into the intricate relationship between irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and food intolerances. IBS, a chronic functional gastrointestinal disorder, is characterized by symptoms like abdominal pain and altered bowel habits. The prevalence of IBS has increased globally, especially among young adults. Food and dietary habits play a crucial role in IBS management. About 85-90% of IBS patients report symptom exacerbation linked to specific food consumption, highlighting the strong connection between food intolerances and IBS. Food intolerances often exhibit a dose-dependent pattern, posing a challenge in identifying trigger foods. This issue is further complicated by the complex nature of gastrointestinal physiology and varying food compositions. This review discusses various dietary patterns and their impact on IBS, including the low-FODMAP diet, gluten-free diet, and Mediterranean diet. It highlights the importance of a personalized approach in dietary management, considering individual symptom variability and dietary history. In conclusion, this review emphasizes the need for accurate diagnosis and holistic management of IBS, considering the complex interplay between dietary factors and gastrointestinal pathophysiology. It underlines the importance of patient education and adherence to treatment plans, acknowledging the challenges posed by the variability in dietary triggers and the psychological impact of dietary restrictions.

Ratings of the Effectiveness of 13 Therapeutic Diets for Autism Spectrum Disorder: Results of a National Survey

This study presents the results of the effectiveness of 13 therapeutic diets for autism spectrum disorder from 818 participants of a national survey, including benefits, adverse effects, and symptom improvements. The average Overall Benefit of diets was 2.36 (0 = no benefit, 4 = great benefit), which was substantially higher than for nutraceuticals (1.59/4.0) and psychiatric/seizure medications (1.39/4.0), p < 0.001. The average Overall Adverse Effects of diets was significantly lower than psychiatric/seizure medications (0.10 vs. 0.93, p < 0.001) and similar to nutraceuticals (0.16). Autism severity decreased slightly over time in participants who used diet vs. increasing slightly in those that did not (p < 0.001). Healthy and Feingold diets were the two top-rated diets by Overall Benefit; the ketogenic diet was the highest for nine symptoms (though had fewer respondents); and the gluten-free/casein-free diet was among the top for overall symptom improvements. Different diets were reported to affect different symptoms, suggesting that an individual's symptoms could be used to guide which diet(s) may be the most effective. The results suggest that therapeutic diets can be safe and effective interventions for improving some ASD-related symptoms with few adverse effects. We recommend therapeutic diets that include healthy foods and exclude problematic foods. Therapeutic diets are inexpensive treatments that we recommend for consideration by most people with ASD.

Pilot Study of the Metabolomic Profile of an Athlete after Short-Term Physical Activity

A comprehensive analysis of indicators of the state of the body between training and recovery allows a comprehensive evaluation of various aspects of health, athletic performance, and recovery. In this pilot study, an assessment of the metabolomic profile of athletes was performed, and the immunological reaction of the athlete’s body to food before exercise and 48 h after exercise was studied. As a result, 15 amino acids and 3 hormones were identified, the plasma levels of which differed between the training and recovery states. In addition, immunological reactions or hyperreactivity to food allergens were assessed using an enzyme immunoassay. It is likely that for the athletes in the study sample, 48 h is not enough time for the complete recovery of the body.